Stimuli-chromic multi-component smart organic materials

Abstract

Multi-component smart organic materials (MCSOMs) with stimuli-chromic behaviors have attracted significant attention due to their easily switchable photophysical properties and advanced applications. This review highlights the latest developments in multi-component stimuli-chromic organic materials activated by various stimuli, including light, heat, mechanical force, vapor, pH, and chemicals. Herein, we discuss the design strategies, stimuli-chromic mechanisms, and their potential applications in fields such as information encryption, sensors, biological imaging, and green printing. Also, the review provides a detailed classification and discussion of exciting stimuli-chromic properties of stimuli-chromic MCSOMs. Lastly, the current achievements, limitations, key challenges, and future prospects are summarized and discussed. This review may inspire further innovative research on multi-component stimuli-responsive smart organic materials, thus fostering further development of smart materials and devices.